Take a look: Pull The Pocket
Here's wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year-And if you're an Atheist, have a great day and a pleasant tomorrow!!
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Seasons Greetings!!
As always, my friend Pull The Pocket, has a great blog post today, which completely shows how social media has taken over Christmas-Does anyone ever mail Christmas cards anymore!!
Take a look: Pull The Pocket
Here's wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year-And if you're an Atheist, have a great day and a pleasant tomorrow!!
Take a look: Pull The Pocket
Here's wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year-And if you're an Atheist, have a great day and a pleasant tomorrow!!
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
If I Owned Trot Magazine......
I must admit, I'm an avid reader of Trot Magazine. I think the format encompasses everything a harness enthusiast would like to read, and a great deal of the stories are quite heartfelt and hit close to home. Each month I anxiously await the next issue and most of the time I'm done the entire magazine by the end of the night. That being said, I always watch for which horse (or person) makes the cover, but sometimes my advertising/photography urges take over and I end up thinking, "Boy, I bet I could create a cover of Trot"! Well, I did. Except my covers end up being a little controversial and sometimes a bit too creative. While these are only "mock" creations of the covers, I never do them in bad taste, or try to discredit the creators of Trot, because I truly LOVE the magazine.....But sometimes I think they should really "Tell it like it is" in some cases......
June 2011 Cover-We all know that rain and mud causes havoc on the farm...case in point:
December 2010 Cover-Race fixing:
July 2011 Cover-Drugs in the industry:
September 2011 Cover-How many racehorses fall into the slaughter pipeline:
Seasons Greetings Everyone!!!
June 2011 Cover-We all know that rain and mud causes havoc on the farm...case in point:
December 2010 Cover-Race fixing:
July 2011 Cover-Drugs in the industry:
September 2011 Cover-How many racehorses fall into the slaughter pipeline:
And finally...
October 2011 Cover-Ensure that however you get your horse anywhere....it's safe:
Seasons Greetings Everyone!!!
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Ontario Sires Stakes History
I was recently given an Ontario Sires Stakes trophy which dates back to 1975, and as some of you may or may not know, the OSS began in 1974, so I was quite excited about receiving this little bit of history. The trophy itself is for the "Two-Year-Old Colt Pace", which was held at Kawartha Downs Raceway, and the winning horse had a spectacular time of 2:08 4/5......Hmm, makes you wonder where all this new-found speed has come from nowadays?? That being said, I gently placed it atop my mantle (it's really quite heavy), and daydreamed about how great it must have been to have won something so sought-after.
Well, a bit of time passed and just today I found myself rummaging through an antique and collectibles store and what do you think caught my eye?? Why yet ANOTHER Ontario Sires Stakes trophy!! This one is much heavier than the above mentioned, but unfortunately the gold plaque had been removed, so I have no way of telling who won it or in what year they won it.
The base is made of polished, painted wood and the main part of the trophy is all glass, and yes, it's extremely heavy; I would say a good 5 pounds at least! After getting some odd looks from the dealer as to why I would want such a thing, and after haggling a small discount on the price, I quickly took my treasure home and jumped on the computer. I googled "Ontario Sires Stakes Trophies", and found not ONE photo or image of an OSS trophy-from today or since its inception in 1974! I would really like to aim at collecting these if possible but it seems rather IMPOSSIBLE to even find what the other years look like. So, if anyone has any information about the trophies I would be grateful to hear from you. I'm guessing this is going to be quite tough-to try and collect one from each year-but this would be an awesome challenge for me!
You can e-mail me at newhorizonsequinecenter(at)gmail(dot)com
Well, a bit of time passed and just today I found myself rummaging through an antique and collectibles store and what do you think caught my eye?? Why yet ANOTHER Ontario Sires Stakes trophy!! This one is much heavier than the above mentioned, but unfortunately the gold plaque had been removed, so I have no way of telling who won it or in what year they won it.
The base is made of polished, painted wood and the main part of the trophy is all glass, and yes, it's extremely heavy; I would say a good 5 pounds at least! After getting some odd looks from the dealer as to why I would want such a thing, and after haggling a small discount on the price, I quickly took my treasure home and jumped on the computer. I googled "Ontario Sires Stakes Trophies", and found not ONE photo or image of an OSS trophy-from today or since its inception in 1974! I would really like to aim at collecting these if possible but it seems rather IMPOSSIBLE to even find what the other years look like. So, if anyone has any information about the trophies I would be grateful to hear from you. I'm guessing this is going to be quite tough-to try and collect one from each year-but this would be an awesome challenge for me!
You can e-mail me at newhorizonsequinecenter(at)gmail(dot)com
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Daylon Magician...Poof, He's Gone!
Yes, I realize its been a while since I posted but I've been bombarded with University courses that I just HAD to complete....UGH!! Passing all my exams is a complete relief, but I've still been keeping up with all the harness racing action as well. Hmm, let's see, what am I really ticked off at the most? Well, I heard that See You At Peelers is retired (if true, its really no surprise to me-if racing compromises her health then better to be safe than sorry), and Daylon Magician is retiring to stud at Tara Hills.......REALLY? This one I can't wrap my head around. Let's break it down: You have an exceptional horse that brings the industry to their feet while watching him race; he has a fan following; brings people to the track; seems to be sound, fit, and enjoys racing, has a lock on the Three-Year-Old Trotting Colt of the Year award, and his connections want to shuttle him off to a breeding shed???? Might as well get used to it folks, "There's more money as a sire than at the wire". Hey, I should write a book..."From Wire to Sire"....I would need a thousand pages or so to tell the tale........Ok, granted, I'm not his owner, but as someone who's part of an industry that seems to be stagnate, do I not have a say? Even a microscopic one? He's THREE for crying out loud---His spine hasn't even completed its growth stage yet! UGH!! Just one of many more to be taken away from us way too soon...
On a positive note: Monkey On My Wheel WILL BE RETURNING for a four year old campaign!!
The $5,500 purchase at the Spring Mixed Sale back in June of 2009 is money well spent and has earned over a million dollars thus far! She is my favorite gal on the track! Congratulations to all her connections and I can't wait to see her in 2012!
Thursday, August 18, 2011
All Good Things Come To An End
In January of 2006, trainer Michael Matz, who was most noted for his presence in the show jumping world, had high hopes for a little race horse named Barbaro. In May of that same year, Barbaro proved his weight in gold when he captured the Kentucky Derby, undefeated, and his owners, Roy and Gretchen Jackson, were ecstatic. Matz, Barbaro's diligent trainer, was on top of the world, until it all came crashing down during the opening stretch-run in the Preakness Stakes, when Barbaro shattered his right hind leg. Barbaro ultimately succumbed to his injuries in January of 2007, which left a large void in the racing world, as well as the nation.
Matz continued his training relationship with the Jacksons, sending Barbaro's full brothers, Nicanor and Lentenor off to the races. Not quite as successful as their older brother, the colts moved forward in their racing program with great promise, and still remain on the track today.
We are now told that Michael Matz and the Jacksons have parted ways after more than 10 years of working together. The details of the split are unknown to Matz, for not more than a couple weeks ago, the Jacksons sent him four juveniles to train. "I was totally surprised; I have no idea what their reason was," Matz said. "Obviously I did something wrong or they lost confidence in me. I really don't know. They called me in July to tell me, right after I ran three horses for them - one ran first, the other second, and the third one was off the board. When I sat down with them, two weeks later, I was told it was a business decision. It was obviously something I said or did; believe me, I just don't know."
Matz said he has nothing but fond memories of the time he spent together with the Jacksons, whom he called friends.
You can read the article in it's entirety here
Notes and Totes
* More promise at integrating the rest of the world with harness racing
* Trying to schedule big races at appropriate times as to not lose the majority of the handle for the following races - Hey, why not schedule big races at the end of the cards? Read it here
* Gold Cup & Saucer Field Set
* See You At Peelers will "See You At Harrah's Chester" on Sunday in the Valley Forge
* Want A Free Pick 4 Ticket?
On a side note, if you need a good laugh today, go to Pull The Pocket's blog and take a look at the horse racing video....Just don't be drinking coffee when you watch it!
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire!
Matz continued his training relationship with the Jacksons, sending Barbaro's full brothers, Nicanor and Lentenor off to the races. Not quite as successful as their older brother, the colts moved forward in their racing program with great promise, and still remain on the track today.
We are now told that Michael Matz and the Jacksons have parted ways after more than 10 years of working together. The details of the split are unknown to Matz, for not more than a couple weeks ago, the Jacksons sent him four juveniles to train. "I was totally surprised; I have no idea what their reason was," Matz said. "Obviously I did something wrong or they lost confidence in me. I really don't know. They called me in July to tell me, right after I ran three horses for them - one ran first, the other second, and the third one was off the board. When I sat down with them, two weeks later, I was told it was a business decision. It was obviously something I said or did; believe me, I just don't know."
Matz said he has nothing but fond memories of the time he spent together with the Jacksons, whom he called friends.
You can read the article in it's entirety here
Notes and Totes
* More promise at integrating the rest of the world with harness racing
* Trying to schedule big races at appropriate times as to not lose the majority of the handle for the following races - Hey, why not schedule big races at the end of the cards? Read it here
* Gold Cup & Saucer Field Set
* See You At Peelers will "See You At Harrah's Chester" on Sunday in the Valley Forge
* Want A Free Pick 4 Ticket?
On a side note, if you need a good laugh today, go to Pull The Pocket's blog and take a look at the horse racing video....Just don't be drinking coffee when you watch it!
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire!
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
The Secret's Out!
Who said older horses can't put on a show? The Richard Moreau trained Secretsothernephew was in top form at the Little M last night as he made a late closing move to nudge by Dry Gulch (Jody Jamieson) and Bullet Speed (Randy Waples) in a wicked time of 1:49.3. Driven by Sylvain Filion, the 4-yr-old son of Camluck won the eighth of 11 races with fractions of 12.3, 26.2, 54, 1:21.4, 1:35.3 - pacing his last quarter in 26.4 seconds! Keep your eye on this guy in the future!
Running Circles Around The Competition
Here's a little filly to watch out for; The 2-yr-old sensation, Circles! The daughter of Majestic Son and super-producer Merles Image won the $130,000 Ontario Sire Stakes Gold Final at the Little M on Monday evening by five lengths with a time of 1:57.0! She has accumulated $190,000 in six races but will have to wait until Sept. 22 to defend her Gold Final title. Monday's win was Circles' fourth in a season that has seen her capture all three of her Gold Eliminations and finish second in the first two Gold Finals of the season.
Notes and Totes
* Pretty Katherine - Sold
* Summer Sizzler Catalogue Now Online
* Frenchfrysnvinegar Repeats
* Rocknroll Hanover to stand Down Under
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire!
Running Circles Around The Competition
Here's a little filly to watch out for; The 2-yr-old sensation, Circles! The daughter of Majestic Son and super-producer Merles Image won the $130,000 Ontario Sire Stakes Gold Final at the Little M on Monday evening by five lengths with a time of 1:57.0! She has accumulated $190,000 in six races but will have to wait until Sept. 22 to defend her Gold Final title. Monday's win was Circles' fourth in a season that has seen her capture all three of her Gold Eliminations and finish second in the first two Gold Finals of the season.
Notes and Totes
* Pretty Katherine - Sold
* Summer Sizzler Catalogue Now Online
* Frenchfrysnvinegar Repeats
* Rocknroll Hanover to stand Down Under
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Looking Beyond 2012
Brooklyn Backstretch blogged a great post regarding the Round Table discussion held to identify the problem areas in Thoroughbred racing. Below are a list of 5 factors contributing to racing's decline (My comments are in red):
* Competititon from other types of gambling (Yes, casinos!)
* Brand perception (Stop sending race horses to slaughter!)
* Dilution of the product ( Racetracks are in competition for business-Too many classes!)
* The fan experience (What experience? Racetracks want more people in the stands, yet do NOTHING to get them there - Grand River Raceway excluded, they try and involve all fans into their racing programs!)
* Fragmented distribution (NA Cup, Confederation Cup, etc., should be picked up by NBC, ABC, or another main broadcasting company!)
McKinsey recommends (My comments in red):
* Increased television coverage (Make it attractive for broadcasting sponsorship)
* A Free-To-Play Website (Much like the free online poker-I like picking exactas and trifectas but am not seasoned enough to spend copious amounts of cash on betting websites)
* Fewer, better races and better scheduling to increase field size and showcase the best product (Ensure all racetracks get their fareshare)
* Creation of a social game (See above-A Free-To-Play website)
* Innovative wagering platforms (?)
* Track-integrated ADW (?)
* Racing integrity reforms (Yes, yes, yes!)
* Encouragement of ownership through greater transparency (Make sure all owners know the difference between a horse's head and it's rearend-No blaming the trainer for everything that goes awry!)
* Dissemination of best practices from tracks around the country (A+ for effort!)
I would also add:
* A unified governing body should be in place for the standardbred industry
* A suspension should hold it's strength across the borders
Onward!
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire!
* Competititon from other types of gambling (Yes, casinos!)
* Brand perception (Stop sending race horses to slaughter!)
* Dilution of the product ( Racetracks are in competition for business-Too many classes!)
* The fan experience (What experience? Racetracks want more people in the stands, yet do NOTHING to get them there - Grand River Raceway excluded, they try and involve all fans into their racing programs!)
* Fragmented distribution (NA Cup, Confederation Cup, etc., should be picked up by NBC, ABC, or another main broadcasting company!)
McKinsey recommends (My comments in red):
* Increased television coverage (Make it attractive for broadcasting sponsorship)
* A Free-To-Play Website (Much like the free online poker-I like picking exactas and trifectas but am not seasoned enough to spend copious amounts of cash on betting websites)
* Fewer, better races and better scheduling to increase field size and showcase the best product (Ensure all racetracks get their fareshare)
* Creation of a social game (See above-A Free-To-Play website)
* Innovative wagering platforms (?)
* Track-integrated ADW (?)
* Racing integrity reforms (Yes, yes, yes!)
* Encouragement of ownership through greater transparency (Make sure all owners know the difference between a horse's head and it's rearend-No blaming the trainer for everything that goes awry!)
* Dissemination of best practices from tracks around the country (A+ for effort!)
I would also add:
* A unified governing body should be in place for the standardbred industry
* A suspension should hold it's strength across the borders
Onward!
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire!
Saturday, August 13, 2011
I'll Take "Exactas" for $800, Alex!
We've all had it done to us in our trifectas...The horse we picked to win, wins, the horse we picked to place, places, and then WHAMO, the horse we picked to show, is off having a pretzel at one of the concession stands! Since that's happened to me about, ohhhhhh, a thousand times, I have decided that today I will make only exacta picks and I will also be placing them in a "box". Hey, I'm not a seasoned bettor, so I'm entitled! Now for all you newbie bettors, placing your picks in a "box" means that your two horses can come 1-2 in either order. For example, if you pick Noname Hanover to win and Fictitious to place, and Fictitious wins and Noname Hanover places - you still win!
Here we go, off to the NJSS Finals at the Big M:
Race 2-Post Time 7:20pm
Krispy Apple - Rocklamation
Race 3-Post Time 7:40pm
Hey Mister - Wincinnatti
Race 4-Post Time 8:00pm
Manofmanymissions - Whit
Race 6-Post Time 8:40pm
Shadyshark Hanover - Big Jim
Flamboro Raceway on Sunday:
Race 6-Post Time 2:43pm
Mr Joe Sixpack - Undercover Strike
Race 8-Confederation Cup Elimination-Post Time 3:25pm
Prodigal Seelster (7-2)
Mystician (3-1)
Foreclosure N (4-1)
Mystic Desire (9-2)
Odysseus Bluechip (6-1)
Arsenal (8-1)
Up The Credit (2-1)
Bestofbest Hanover (10-1)
Foreclosure N - Mystician
Race 9-Confederation Cup Elimination-Post Time 3:47pm
Mickey Hanover (7-2)
Eighteen (8-1)
Rollwithitharry (2-1)
Townslight Hanover (4-1)
Keystone Velocity (9-2)
Hare Craft (6-1)
Rock To Glory (10-1)
Wink N Atcha (3-1)
Wink N Atcha - Rollwithitharry
Race 12-Confederation Cup Final-Post Time 5:00pm
Would like to see Foreclosure N win the Cup, but this will be based on the above mentioned elimination races. The top four finishers from each heat plus one 5th place finisher.
1. Arsenal
2. Bestofbest Hanover
3. Eighteen
4. Foreclosure N
5. Hare Craft
6. Keystone Velocity
7. Mickey Hanover
8. Mystic Desire
9. Mystician
10. Odysseus Bluechip
11. Prodigal Seelster
12. Rock To Glory
13. Rollwithitharry
14. Townslight Hanover
15. Up The Credit
16. Wink N Atcha
Notes and Totes
* See You At Peelers is racing Sunday at Tioga Downs
* NJRC Holds Crys Dream Winnings and View From The Racetrack Grandstand Delves Into The New Dick Francis Novel - Dare To Dream (Actually, it's more about the case regarding Crys Dream)
* New Enhanced Testing For Clenbuterol
Good Luck To All This Weekend!!
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire!
Here we go, off to the NJSS Finals at the Big M:
Race 2-Post Time 7:20pm
Krispy Apple - Rocklamation
Race 3-Post Time 7:40pm
Hey Mister - Wincinnatti
Race 4-Post Time 8:00pm
Manofmanymissions - Whit
Race 6-Post Time 8:40pm
Shadyshark Hanover - Big Jim
Flamboro Raceway on Sunday:
Race 6-Post Time 2:43pm
Mr Joe Sixpack - Undercover Strike
Race 8-Confederation Cup Elimination-Post Time 3:25pm
Prodigal Seelster (7-2)
Mystician (3-1)
Foreclosure N (4-1)
Mystic Desire (9-2)
Odysseus Bluechip (6-1)
Arsenal (8-1)
Up The Credit (2-1)
Bestofbest Hanover (10-1)
Foreclosure N - Mystician
Race 9-Confederation Cup Elimination-Post Time 3:47pm
Mickey Hanover (7-2)
Eighteen (8-1)
Rollwithitharry (2-1)
Townslight Hanover (4-1)
Keystone Velocity (9-2)
Hare Craft (6-1)
Rock To Glory (10-1)
Wink N Atcha (3-1)
Wink N Atcha - Rollwithitharry
Race 12-Confederation Cup Final-Post Time 5:00pm
Would like to see Foreclosure N win the Cup, but this will be based on the above mentioned elimination races. The top four finishers from each heat plus one 5th place finisher.
1. Arsenal
2. Bestofbest Hanover
3. Eighteen
4. Foreclosure N
5. Hare Craft
6. Keystone Velocity
7. Mickey Hanover
8. Mystic Desire
9. Mystician
10. Odysseus Bluechip
11. Prodigal Seelster
12. Rock To Glory
13. Rollwithitharry
14. Townslight Hanover
15. Up The Credit
16. Wink N Atcha
Notes and Totes
* See You At Peelers is racing Sunday at Tioga Downs
* NJRC Holds Crys Dream Winnings and View From The Racetrack Grandstand Delves Into The New Dick Francis Novel - Dare To Dream (Actually, it's more about the case regarding Crys Dream)
* New Enhanced Testing For Clenbuterol
Good Luck To All This Weekend!!
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire!
Friday, August 12, 2011
It's Jeopardy Time!!
There is so much spectacular racing going on this weekend that today we are going to have some fun to get us in the mood! See how many of these trivia questions you get correct...do you know your racetracks? Answers are below, but no peeking until you're done!
1. Which track in New York state has a half-mile oval, is home to the second leg of the pacing Triple Crown, the Messenger Stakes, and is known for running races at 1 and 1/16 miles multiple times a night?
* Saratoga Raceway
* Monticello Raceway
* Yonkers Raceway
* Vernon Downs
2. Harness Racing is much bigger in the Eastern United States than in the west. Which California track, home to the American Oaks of thoroughbred racing among other major events, including the first Breeders' Cup in 1984, stopped having standardbred meets in the 1980s?
* Hollywood Park
* Santa Anita Park
* Los Alamitos
* Del Mar
3. Niatross is widely considered one of the best if not the best pacer of all time, winning 37 of his 39 lifetime races. At what Kentucky track did he race a time trial in 1:49 1/5, breaking the world record by nearly three seconds in the process?
* The Red Mile
* Blue Grass Downs
* Hazel Park
* Scioto Downs
4. In 2004, Windsong's Legacy won the trotting Triple Crown, becoming the first horse since Super Bowl in 1972 to accomplish the feat. He won the first leg, the Hambletonian, at which New Jersey race track?
* Hoosier Park
* Scarborough Downs
* The Meadowlands
* Freehold Raceway
5. In 2003, No Pan Intended became the first horse of the 21st century to win the pacing Triple Crown. The second leg of the crown, the Little Brown Jug, is considered the pacing equivalent of the Hambletonian and is the most prized race for a pacer. At which track did No Pan Intended win it?
* Rockingham Park
* Dover Downs
* Delaware County Fairgrounds
* Harrington Park
6. While most tracks are geographically in the northeast, which standardbred facility is located in South Florida, the only standardbred track in the state?
* Derby Lane
* Pompano Park
* Flagler Track
* The Best Bet at St. John's
7. Which Chicago area one-mile oval used to have thoroughbred racing in addition to harness racing until 1991, when it became exclusively a harness track?
* DuQuoin
* Maywood Park
* Balmoral Park
* Hawthorne Park
8. Which track that has its location in its name, opened in August 2003 with a mixed breed meet and held a three-day harness meet the following month?
* Indiana Downs
* Buffalo Raceway
* California Expo
* North Dakota Horse Park
9. The Dan Patch Invitational, named for the 19th century legend, is a track that runs a thoroughbred meet each fall that includes the state's derby. Which track is this that opened in his home state nearly a century after the horse was born?
* Hoosier Park
* Mount Pleasant Meadows
* Northville Downs
* Prairie Meadows
10. This half-mile track in upstate New York might be best known for two things, only running Monday-Friday, and racing almost every Christmas Eve. It also traditionally races during the day, except on July 4th when it has an early evening first post time. Which track is this?
* Vernon Downs
* Saratoga Raceway
* Monticello Raceway
* Batavia Downs
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Answers
1. Yonkers Raceway
2. Hollywood Park
3. The Red Mile
4. The Meadowlands
5. Delaware County Fairgrounds
6. Pompano Park
7. Balmoral Park
8. North Dakota Horse Park
9. Hoosier Park
10. Monticello Raceway
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes and Totes
* See You At Peelers is racing at Tioga Downs in the 8th race this Sunday - Here's the program
* Confederation Cup at Flamboro on Sunday - Here's the program
(Looking to the newly purchased Foreclosure N to clean house this weekend)
* Peach Martini Grabs Gold at Mohawk
Good Luck To All This Weekend!!
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire!
1. Which track in New York state has a half-mile oval, is home to the second leg of the pacing Triple Crown, the Messenger Stakes, and is known for running races at 1 and 1/16 miles multiple times a night?
* Saratoga Raceway
* Monticello Raceway
* Yonkers Raceway
* Vernon Downs
2. Harness Racing is much bigger in the Eastern United States than in the west. Which California track, home to the American Oaks of thoroughbred racing among other major events, including the first Breeders' Cup in 1984, stopped having standardbred meets in the 1980s?
* Hollywood Park
* Santa Anita Park
* Los Alamitos
* Del Mar
3. Niatross is widely considered one of the best if not the best pacer of all time, winning 37 of his 39 lifetime races. At what Kentucky track did he race a time trial in 1:49 1/5, breaking the world record by nearly three seconds in the process?
* The Red Mile
* Blue Grass Downs
* Hazel Park
* Scioto Downs
4. In 2004, Windsong's Legacy won the trotting Triple Crown, becoming the first horse since Super Bowl in 1972 to accomplish the feat. He won the first leg, the Hambletonian, at which New Jersey race track?
* Hoosier Park
* Scarborough Downs
* The Meadowlands
* Freehold Raceway
5. In 2003, No Pan Intended became the first horse of the 21st century to win the pacing Triple Crown. The second leg of the crown, the Little Brown Jug, is considered the pacing equivalent of the Hambletonian and is the most prized race for a pacer. At which track did No Pan Intended win it?
* Rockingham Park
* Dover Downs
* Delaware County Fairgrounds
* Harrington Park
6. While most tracks are geographically in the northeast, which standardbred facility is located in South Florida, the only standardbred track in the state?
* Derby Lane
* Pompano Park
* Flagler Track
* The Best Bet at St. John's
7. Which Chicago area one-mile oval used to have thoroughbred racing in addition to harness racing until 1991, when it became exclusively a harness track?
* DuQuoin
* Maywood Park
* Balmoral Park
* Hawthorne Park
8. Which track that has its location in its name, opened in August 2003 with a mixed breed meet and held a three-day harness meet the following month?
* Indiana Downs
* Buffalo Raceway
* California Expo
* North Dakota Horse Park
9. The Dan Patch Invitational, named for the 19th century legend, is a track that runs a thoroughbred meet each fall that includes the state's derby. Which track is this that opened in his home state nearly a century after the horse was born?
* Hoosier Park
* Mount Pleasant Meadows
* Northville Downs
* Prairie Meadows
10. This half-mile track in upstate New York might be best known for two things, only running Monday-Friday, and racing almost every Christmas Eve. It also traditionally races during the day, except on July 4th when it has an early evening first post time. Which track is this?
* Vernon Downs
* Saratoga Raceway
* Monticello Raceway
* Batavia Downs
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Answers
1. Yonkers Raceway
2. Hollywood Park
3. The Red Mile
4. The Meadowlands
5. Delaware County Fairgrounds
6. Pompano Park
7. Balmoral Park
8. North Dakota Horse Park
9. Hoosier Park
10. Monticello Raceway
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes and Totes
* See You At Peelers is racing at Tioga Downs in the 8th race this Sunday - Here's the program
* Confederation Cup at Flamboro on Sunday - Here's the program
(Looking to the newly purchased Foreclosure N to clean house this weekend)
* Peach Martini Grabs Gold at Mohawk
Good Luck To All This Weekend!!
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire!
Thursday, August 11, 2011
You Must Be 5 Years Old To Enjoy This Ride...
My friends at Pull The Pocket and View From The Racetrack Grandstand have both blogged about the bold move made by the Hambletonian Society which stipulates that commencing in 2018, no horse will be eligible to race in the premiere event, unless they are sired by a horse five years or older. In all honesty, this is a rule that should be implemented in both the Standardbred and Thoroughbred industries - any race, any horse, all the time. Too big of a request? I think not. Darryl Kaplan, editor for Trot Magazine, discusses Somebeachsomewhere's retirement;
"Two days before the Cup, I spoke to co-owner and trainer Brent McGrath. It was no secret that the ownership team were at the time being wooed by North America's top breeders, whom for obvious reasons, had little desire to see Beach race beyond 2008.
I asked McGrath, 'With a deal likely imminent that would have Somebeachsomewhere retiring at three, how many track, horsemen or industry groups have approached you to negotiate what it would take to keep this horse racing next year?'
Brent paused and responded, 'You're the first one to mention it."'
Somebeachsomewhere was three-years-old, and in his prime when he was whisked away out of sight. On average, he brought 8,000 fans to the racetrack to watch him compete each time out, and when doing the quick math, equates to approximately 168,000 fans and potential fans who would have seen him on the track. I should know, I was one of them - standing on my feet cheering for him at the Little M (Mohawk) when he screamed across the wire winning the 2008 Pepsi North America Cup in 1:49 flat. To this day, my complimentary Somebeach poster still hangs on the wall of the racing room, and each time I look at it I think what could have been. The "Monster of the Maritimes" is sorely missed.
 |
| Somebeachsomewhere Poster |
Each year we hold our breath waiting to see if this will be the year that a horse captures the Triple Crown, and each year, we know in the back of our minds that if this happens, the very next day that horse will be shuttled off to the breeding shed - it's all about the Benjamins - sad, but true.
When Calvin Borel threaded the eye of a needle with Street Sense in the 2007 Kentucky Derby and claimed the blanket of roses we all thought that this duo was headed for great things in the future - great things for the industry. They continued on the Triple Crown path but fell short in the Preakness, by a nose, to eventual HOY Curlin, and it was then that they decided to bypass the Belmont Stakes altogether. In June of 2007 Tafel sold Street Sense's breeding rights to Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's Darley Stud, but the Street Cry phenom raced up and until the Breeders' Cup Classic in October of that same year. Again, he fell short, placing fourth on a sloppy track at Monmouth, and on Tuesday, October 30, 2007, his retirement was announced. Another one bites the dust...or, the dirt.
 |
| Calvin Borel & Street Sense |
The list of potential 4-year-old standardbred superstars would have been astronomical if they all would have remained on the track - fan bases would have grown - the industry would have prospered. Below, are just of few of the great ones that left us way too early:
Somebeachsomewhere - Well Said - Muscle Massive - Major In Art - Federal Flex - Holiday Road - Yankee Glide - If I Can Dream - Shark Gesture - Sir Luck - Cams Card Shark - Grinfromeartoear - Rocknroll Hanover
I do believe that these were all three-year-olds when they left the track, however, I could be wrong and if so, please do not hesitate to correct me.
In conclusion:
While we're at it, if the industry is going to start implementing rules, we might as well add that in order to be eligible for a Hall Of Fame induction, one must also be five years or older. Plausible? If not, tell me why.
However, I believe that what the Hambo Society has done is a beautiful step in the right direction - SOMEONE has to do something soon because thinking outside the "box" will ensure that the standardbred industry never ends up being backed into one of the box's many corners...
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire!
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
New Joisey Bound!!
Phew, done my projects, now onto my exam - But enough about that, I don't want to bore the hell out of you!
Let's go to the New Jersey Sire Stakes Finals on Saturday, August 13, 2011 at the Big M!
2-3-4-6...No, that's not my superfecta picks, but the races to watch out for on Saturday!
Girls On Film!! Nope, not the Duran Duran song, but race number 2 for the NJSS 3yo pacing fillies! In this race we see the likes of Pretty Katherine (all but once a bridesmaid), Krispy Apple (the backstretch tornado -they never see her coming), Rocklamation (the silent sleeper), Honky Tonk Woman (she's a "rolling stone" when she gets her speed going), and Mystical Diva (diva is as diva does). Nonetheless, this will be a real nail biter of a race, er a hoof biter of a race. Don't miss this one.
Here's the lineup:
1. Rocklamation
2. Pretty Katherine
3. Honky Tonk Woman
4. Caviart Sarah
5. Myluvmylife
6. Weekend Update
7. Krispy Apple
8. Mystical Diva
Onto race 3 for 3yo NJSS trotting fillies! These gals are hot to trot (Bad joke) Ahem, anyways Hey Mister has my vote here (Is this not a filly?) Enough said.
Here's the lineup:
1. Tui
2. Creme De Cocoa
3. Wincinnatti
4. Hey Mister
5. Sashay
6. Lost Symbol
7. Southwind Amiga
8. Firstclassprincess
9. Tawesome More
10. Dixieland Delite
MOMM's the word! Manofmanymissions definitely needs to redeem himself after the dismal finish in the Hambletonian last weekend, and he will have his opportunity in the 4th Race for NJSS 3yo Colt Trot. A couple problems I see heading towards him in this race, and they sport the names of Whiskey Tax, Vc Chocoholic, and Whit. Now MOMM is the current favorite, but to me, I just don't feel "safe" enough to bet on him - he's like one of those spinning tops you played with as a kid - you just don't know if he's going to hold his position or shoot right out off the table! Still debating, I'll look at him in the post parade and make a decision then.
Here's the lineup:
1. Whiskey Tax
2. Take Heart
3. Vc Chocoholic
4. Big Sky Storm
5. Whit
6. Guiltywithanexcuse
7. Winuendo
8. Celebrity Bombay
9. Charlie De Vie
10. Manofmanymissions
Race 6 will show us Big Jim once again, and he too may have his hooves full - with the likes of Shadyshark Hanover, Rock'em and Rockstar Temper! Oh hell, they're ALL good horses in this line-up! Let's just say it'll be an exciting race!
Here's the lineup:
1. Rockstar Temper
2. High Noon
3. Roll'em Up
4. Lizard King
5. Best Man Hanover
6. Big Jim
7. Rock'em
8. Shadyshark Hanover
9. Lookinforadventure
Notes & Totes
* Heads To Roll - Nope, not a Rocknroll Hanover progeny, but the title of the article concerning the "swabbing scandal" in New South Wales!
* A casino battle is brewing in Ontario - Slot Revenue Debate
* Secretsothernephew stopped the clock in 1:49.4 at the Little M (Mohawk) last night, as he chewed up the track in fast fractions: 12.4 - 26.2 - 54 - 1:22.3 - 1:36, coming his last 1/4 in 27.1.
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire!
Let's go to the New Jersey Sire Stakes Finals on Saturday, August 13, 2011 at the Big M!
2-3-4-6...No, that's not my superfecta picks, but the races to watch out for on Saturday!
Girls On Film!! Nope, not the Duran Duran song, but race number 2 for the NJSS 3yo pacing fillies! In this race we see the likes of Pretty Katherine (all but once a bridesmaid), Krispy Apple (the backstretch tornado -they never see her coming), Rocklamation (the silent sleeper), Honky Tonk Woman (she's a "rolling stone" when she gets her speed going), and Mystical Diva (diva is as diva does). Nonetheless, this will be a real nail biter of a race, er a hoof biter of a race. Don't miss this one.
Here's the lineup:
1. Rocklamation
2. Pretty Katherine
3. Honky Tonk Woman
4. Caviart Sarah
5. Myluvmylife
6. Weekend Update
7. Krispy Apple
8. Mystical Diva
Onto race 3 for 3yo NJSS trotting fillies! These gals are hot to trot (Bad joke) Ahem, anyways Hey Mister has my vote here (Is this not a filly?) Enough said.
Here's the lineup:
1. Tui
2. Creme De Cocoa
3. Wincinnatti
4. Hey Mister
5. Sashay
6. Lost Symbol
7. Southwind Amiga
8. Firstclassprincess
9. Tawesome More
10. Dixieland Delite
MOMM's the word! Manofmanymissions definitely needs to redeem himself after the dismal finish in the Hambletonian last weekend, and he will have his opportunity in the 4th Race for NJSS 3yo Colt Trot. A couple problems I see heading towards him in this race, and they sport the names of Whiskey Tax, Vc Chocoholic, and Whit. Now MOMM is the current favorite, but to me, I just don't feel "safe" enough to bet on him - he's like one of those spinning tops you played with as a kid - you just don't know if he's going to hold his position or shoot right out off the table! Still debating, I'll look at him in the post parade and make a decision then.
Here's the lineup:
1. Whiskey Tax
2. Take Heart
3. Vc Chocoholic
4. Big Sky Storm
5. Whit
6. Guiltywithanexcuse
7. Winuendo
8. Celebrity Bombay
9. Charlie De Vie
10. Manofmanymissions
Race 6 will show us Big Jim once again, and he too may have his hooves full - with the likes of Shadyshark Hanover, Rock'em and Rockstar Temper! Oh hell, they're ALL good horses in this line-up! Let's just say it'll be an exciting race!
Here's the lineup:
1. Rockstar Temper
2. High Noon
3. Roll'em Up
4. Lizard King
5. Best Man Hanover
6. Big Jim
7. Rock'em
8. Shadyshark Hanover
9. Lookinforadventure
Notes & Totes
* Heads To Roll - Nope, not a Rocknroll Hanover progeny, but the title of the article concerning the "swabbing scandal" in New South Wales!
* A casino battle is brewing in Ontario - Slot Revenue Debate
* Secretsothernephew stopped the clock in 1:49.4 at the Little M (Mohawk) last night, as he chewed up the track in fast fractions: 12.4 - 26.2 - 54 - 1:22.3 - 1:36, coming his last 1/4 in 27.1.
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Vacation-Studying-Horse Racing
Last week I took a "vacation" from the computer, which is why I haven't updated this blog. Outside of owning and operating an off-the-track standardbred rescue and rehabilitation facility, I also do residential bank appraisals, as well as real estate (which is my primary work). In order to become an "accredited" appraiser with the Appraisal Institute of Canada, one has to take quite a few courses, and my latest course has me up to my elbows in projects. Now for anyone who cares, the course I am currently taking is called "Foundations of Real Property Assessment and Mass Appraisal". I realize the title just screams boredom, but in order to become a Certified Residential Appraiser, it must be done. I am literally within inches of getting this degree, so to back out now would be a big mistake. To be honest, I'd rather be studying the anatomy and physiology of horses, which is what I originally wanted to do when I was fresh out of highschool.....I wanted to become a large animal vet. *sigh* Hmm, maybe I can "appraise" horses for their current market value? Dare to dream.
With that being said, I missed quite a bit of horse racing action this weekend, but I did catch my two favorite gal pals, Monkey On My Wheel and Village Janus, battle it out at Rideau Carlton. MOMW held off the five-horse field to win it, which had me over-joyed because I had been following this "cutie patootie" for quite some time now. She's really coming into her own now!
The only other race I caught was Crys Dream's race in the Hambo Oaks Elim. at the Meadowlands. At first, I thought she was entered in error because last time I checked she tested positive and was on a 90 day suspension. But apparently her suspension with the ORC doesn't travel south of the border. This does not make sense to me. If a horse tests positive and is suspended for a certain period of time, why does this cease to exist in other racing jurisdictions? We obviously need a centralized governing body in harness racing. Nothing against the horse, but what do we have rules for if all you have to do is shuttle elsewhere to race? Anyways, she won, and it wasn't an impressive win either.
I definitely will be watching both the Hambo Oaks and the Hambletonian this weekend, and the programs look quite exciting. Would like to see Manofmanymissions show up and take the win.
Well, back to studying......*snore fest*
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire!
With that being said, I missed quite a bit of horse racing action this weekend, but I did catch my two favorite gal pals, Monkey On My Wheel and Village Janus, battle it out at Rideau Carlton. MOMW held off the five-horse field to win it, which had me over-joyed because I had been following this "cutie patootie" for quite some time now. She's really coming into her own now!
The only other race I caught was Crys Dream's race in the Hambo Oaks Elim. at the Meadowlands. At first, I thought she was entered in error because last time I checked she tested positive and was on a 90 day suspension. But apparently her suspension with the ORC doesn't travel south of the border. This does not make sense to me. If a horse tests positive and is suspended for a certain period of time, why does this cease to exist in other racing jurisdictions? We obviously need a centralized governing body in harness racing. Nothing against the horse, but what do we have rules for if all you have to do is shuttle elsewhere to race? Anyways, she won, and it wasn't an impressive win either.
I definitely will be watching both the Hambo Oaks and the Hambletonian this weekend, and the programs look quite exciting. Would like to see Manofmanymissions show up and take the win.
Well, back to studying......*snore fest*
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire!
Friday, July 22, 2011
And They're Off!
In a nutshell, here are my picks for Saturday night:
Meadowlands
Race 1 - Myluvmylife; Rocklamation; Mystical Diva
Race 2 - Rock 'em; Line Officer; Big Jim
Mohawk
Race 1 - Bunny In The Bank; Pancleefanddarpels; Sweet Hedge
Race 2 - Peach Martini; Eagle Canada; China Pearls
Race 4 - Monkey On My Wheel; Village Janus; Look Cheap; Camille
Race 5 - Anndrovette; Dreamfair Eternal; Western Silk
Race 7 - Lucky Jim; Arch Madness; Define The World
Race 9 - Mach Of Ballykeel; Twin B Legend; Dreamfair Kovu
Race 10 - Tamarind; Mr. Joe Sixpack; Daylon Magician
Race 11 - Major Hottie; Atochia; Keystone Horatio
Notes:
* According to his sources, Arch Madness has recovered completely from last years broken splint bone.
* Could do without the rail post for Big Jim; The 4, 5, or 6 post would have been better I think.
* Lucky Jim likes the outside posts, which puts him in a nice spot for the ML Trot (Just hope the 10 hole isn't TOO far out!)
Good Luck To All!!
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire!
Meadowlands
Race 1 - Myluvmylife; Rocklamation; Mystical Diva
Race 2 - Rock 'em; Line Officer; Big Jim
Mohawk
Race 1 - Bunny In The Bank; Pancleefanddarpels; Sweet Hedge
Race 2 - Peach Martini; Eagle Canada; China Pearls
Race 4 - Monkey On My Wheel; Village Janus; Look Cheap; Camille
Race 5 - Anndrovette; Dreamfair Eternal; Western Silk
Race 7 - Lucky Jim; Arch Madness; Define The World
Race 9 - Mach Of Ballykeel; Twin B Legend; Dreamfair Kovu
Race 10 - Tamarind; Mr. Joe Sixpack; Daylon Magician
Race 11 - Major Hottie; Atochia; Keystone Horatio
Notes:
* According to his sources, Arch Madness has recovered completely from last years broken splint bone.
* Could do without the rail post for Big Jim; The 4, 5, or 6 post would have been better I think.
* Lucky Jim likes the outside posts, which puts him in a nice spot for the ML Trot (Just hope the 10 hole isn't TOO far out!)
Good Luck To All!!
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire!
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
From Foal To Goal
Last week, my friend Pull The Pocket blogged about the importance of longevity in racehorses, and it began to make me think about incorporating different methods of training into their programs. In my neck of the woods, where horses are stabled at the racetrack, most trainers take their horses out for about an hour, jog one way, then the other, put the horse back in the stall, then head off to the local Tim Hortons for some chat. To me, this doesn't seem too productive. A racehorse that stands in the stall for 23 hours a day, receiving no time outside, equates to a losing commodity. And if we're going to be spending copious amounts of cash with regards to their upkeep and maintenance, should we not be investing copious amounts of time in their programs?
Now me, I was raised as a riding gal, mostly English Equitation with a bit of Western Pleasure thrown into the mix, and let me tell you, I get quite a bit of heat from the standardbred guys when I mention the word, "longeing" (lungeing). Usually the eyebrows go up, a snicker or two comes out of their mouths, which is then followed by the comment, "Riding horses and race horses are different!" Yes, that may be true, but their conditioning, especially when they're a youngster, is absolutely identical.
The benefits of, and uses for longeing are so varied that it should be a part of the training and exercise program of all horses.
![]()
Tell me something all you racehorse trainers out there: What are the first injuries that normally occur when racing? If you answered splints and bows (stifles are up there as well), you win a prize. What's the prize? Education. Keep reading.
The benefits of longeing are two-fold:
1. Develops obedience to voice commands and body language.
2. Establishes the foundation for ground driving.
3. Is a progressive step in the horse's education. Makes the transition from in-hand work to training work logical and systematic.
4. Develops added confidence and familiarity between horse and trainer; sets the stage for upcoming learning.
5. Introduces movement principles - balance, rhythm, vertical and lateral flexion, gait extension and collection without interference from a driver.
6. Is helpful for correcting bad habits such as impure gaits, head tossing, or spooking.
7. Allows the horse to develop physically - left/right balance, suppleness, strength of back and loin, tendon and ligament durability without the weight of the driver/sulky.
8. Promotes the cardiovascular system.
Twenty minutes a day is all it would take to add this short, but beneficial exercise into your program.
![]()
To learn more about longeing, you can read this article.
The next exercise that I got laughed out of the county for...was trotting poles! Hmm, you own a trotter and yet you don't think TROTTING poles would be a smart addition to your program? Now don't get me wrong, trotting poles are just as beneficial to pacers as well!
The advantage of trotting poles, like longeing, is it increases balance, rhythm, and stability. It also allows the horse to extend his front end and really work the shoulder muscles, while at the same time, work the stifles and hips. Now of course, if your horse is just starting out, you can walk him over these poles, and what I find is that first time over, the horse is a little scared, but after a few times, the fear is gone. Now I realize that standardbred trainers use shadow rolls to keep the horse focused on whats in front of them rather than whats on the ground (shadows), but this exercise will teach the horse that even though there are SCARY SHADOWS on the ground, they will not hurt them, and the horse will eventually pay no mind to them on the race track. Trotting poles will also teach your horse to develop an ability to adjust their stride.
To do this exercise: Find four 4-6 rails and set them apart at a distance of 1.4 metres between the rails and you will be pretty close to an "average" horse's trot stride. Walk him over them first using a lead line and get him acquainted with them. If he sees you going over them, he'll know they won't jump up and bite him! Most importantly stay safe and have fun!
Odd objects you can find around the farm (that have no sharp edges) is another way of "toughening" up your horse. Blue tarps, garbage bags, flower pots (with some really colorful flowers in them), barrels, or anything that they may "snort" at, are things to desensitize them. Position these items at varying spots in a sand ring or some type of an enclosure, then lead them around, getting not too close at first, but use a "gradual" introduction approach. They may get a little freaked out, but keep in mind that YOU are the herd leader, and if you're calm, they too will soon relax. If your horse pulls back away from you, let him. There's no sense in getting into a tug-o-war with him, because let's face it, you'll lose. Just calmly follow your horse, do a small circle with him, and re-introduce him to the object. Eventually, he will be satisfied that NONE of these objects are going to attack him. Remember, horses are prey animals and they have inherited a "Fight or Flight" reflex. You'll know when your horse feels safe around the object when he eventually starts blinking again and tends to look off into the distance, as if to say, "Ok, this is boring, what else have you got for me?" A horse that is blinking, is thinking. A nice scratch on the withers is a great reward. Try and refrain from patting his face or neck because in the wild, scratching the withers is how they show "affection".
Other training techniques that can be used are:
1. Backing - This is pretty self explanatory. You just ask the horse to "back up", in a straight line, for about 20 feet. Walk the horse forward and repeat. This is a great way to work the stifles and the haunches!
2. Circles - Asking your horse to do tight circles with you promotes flexion and suppleness in the back and loins. Going both right and left works the neck muscles too. Remember, when your feet are moving, his should be moving, and vice versa; when your feet are not moving, neither should his. Always keep 2 feet of distance between you and your horse; You don't want him on top of you when he's walking, and you don't want him pulling away either.
3. Grooming - Now you may say, "How is this a training technique?" Well, not only does it give you an opportunity to thoroughly inspect your horse for cuts, bumps, bruises, etc., it increases their blood circulation. It promotes bonding and respect, and what horse doesn't LOVE the attention...who wouldn't like to be pampered?
4. Turn-Out - For those of you stabled at a racetrack, go invest in a round pen or rent one. Just a few hours a day of outdoor time works wonders. It gives them a chance to stretch their legs and allows them to unwind emotionally!
For now, I strongly suggest even implementing ONE of the above mentioned techniques into your training program. I'm not saying that you have to do all of these every single day, but incorporating something different will keep your horse from becoming bored with the same old routine. Plus, you are working muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints that could easily prevent you a visit from your vet! And let's not forget that emotionally, your horse will be a lot happier...and a happy horse is a winning horse!
Notes
I'd like to give a shout out to Eldorado Max, who just last Thursday, raced at Hiawatha Horse Park and finished 3rd. He's 14 years old and this will be his last year racing! The "old warrior" never fails to impress and just keeps on truckin'. He's owned and trained by Danterra Racing Stable in Strathroy, Ontario. GOOD LUCK MAX in your retirement at the end of this year!
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire!
Now me, I was raised as a riding gal, mostly English Equitation with a bit of Western Pleasure thrown into the mix, and let me tell you, I get quite a bit of heat from the standardbred guys when I mention the word, "longeing" (lungeing). Usually the eyebrows go up, a snicker or two comes out of their mouths, which is then followed by the comment, "Riding horses and race horses are different!" Yes, that may be true, but their conditioning, especially when they're a youngster, is absolutely identical.
The benefits of, and uses for longeing are so varied that it should be a part of the training and exercise program of all horses.
Tell me something all you racehorse trainers out there: What are the first injuries that normally occur when racing? If you answered splints and bows (stifles are up there as well), you win a prize. What's the prize? Education. Keep reading.
The benefits of longeing are two-fold:
1. Develops obedience to voice commands and body language.
2. Establishes the foundation for ground driving.
3. Is a progressive step in the horse's education. Makes the transition from in-hand work to training work logical and systematic.
4. Develops added confidence and familiarity between horse and trainer; sets the stage for upcoming learning.
5. Introduces movement principles - balance, rhythm, vertical and lateral flexion, gait extension and collection without interference from a driver.
6. Is helpful for correcting bad habits such as impure gaits, head tossing, or spooking.
7. Allows the horse to develop physically - left/right balance, suppleness, strength of back and loin, tendon and ligament durability without the weight of the driver/sulky.
8. Promotes the cardiovascular system.
Twenty minutes a day is all it would take to add this short, but beneficial exercise into your program.
To learn more about longeing, you can read this article.
The next exercise that I got laughed out of the county for...was trotting poles! Hmm, you own a trotter and yet you don't think TROTTING poles would be a smart addition to your program? Now don't get me wrong, trotting poles are just as beneficial to pacers as well!
The advantage of trotting poles, like longeing, is it increases balance, rhythm, and stability. It also allows the horse to extend his front end and really work the shoulder muscles, while at the same time, work the stifles and hips. Now of course, if your horse is just starting out, you can walk him over these poles, and what I find is that first time over, the horse is a little scared, but after a few times, the fear is gone. Now I realize that standardbred trainers use shadow rolls to keep the horse focused on whats in front of them rather than whats on the ground (shadows), but this exercise will teach the horse that even though there are SCARY SHADOWS on the ground, they will not hurt them, and the horse will eventually pay no mind to them on the race track. Trotting poles will also teach your horse to develop an ability to adjust their stride.
To do this exercise: Find four 4-6 rails and set them apart at a distance of 1.4 metres between the rails and you will be pretty close to an "average" horse's trot stride. Walk him over them first using a lead line and get him acquainted with them. If he sees you going over them, he'll know they won't jump up and bite him! Most importantly stay safe and have fun!
Odd objects you can find around the farm (that have no sharp edges) is another way of "toughening" up your horse. Blue tarps, garbage bags, flower pots (with some really colorful flowers in them), barrels, or anything that they may "snort" at, are things to desensitize them. Position these items at varying spots in a sand ring or some type of an enclosure, then lead them around, getting not too close at first, but use a "gradual" introduction approach. They may get a little freaked out, but keep in mind that YOU are the herd leader, and if you're calm, they too will soon relax. If your horse pulls back away from you, let him. There's no sense in getting into a tug-o-war with him, because let's face it, you'll lose. Just calmly follow your horse, do a small circle with him, and re-introduce him to the object. Eventually, he will be satisfied that NONE of these objects are going to attack him. Remember, horses are prey animals and they have inherited a "Fight or Flight" reflex. You'll know when your horse feels safe around the object when he eventually starts blinking again and tends to look off into the distance, as if to say, "Ok, this is boring, what else have you got for me?" A horse that is blinking, is thinking. A nice scratch on the withers is a great reward. Try and refrain from patting his face or neck because in the wild, scratching the withers is how they show "affection".
 |
| A Blue Tarp Can Teach A Horse To Not Be Afraid |
Other training techniques that can be used are:
1. Backing - This is pretty self explanatory. You just ask the horse to "back up", in a straight line, for about 20 feet. Walk the horse forward and repeat. This is a great way to work the stifles and the haunches!
2. Circles - Asking your horse to do tight circles with you promotes flexion and suppleness in the back and loins. Going both right and left works the neck muscles too. Remember, when your feet are moving, his should be moving, and vice versa; when your feet are not moving, neither should his. Always keep 2 feet of distance between you and your horse; You don't want him on top of you when he's walking, and you don't want him pulling away either.
3. Grooming - Now you may say, "How is this a training technique?" Well, not only does it give you an opportunity to thoroughly inspect your horse for cuts, bumps, bruises, etc., it increases their blood circulation. It promotes bonding and respect, and what horse doesn't LOVE the attention...who wouldn't like to be pampered?
4. Turn-Out - For those of you stabled at a racetrack, go invest in a round pen or rent one. Just a few hours a day of outdoor time works wonders. It gives them a chance to stretch their legs and allows them to unwind emotionally!
For now, I strongly suggest even implementing ONE of the above mentioned techniques into your training program. I'm not saying that you have to do all of these every single day, but incorporating something different will keep your horse from becoming bored with the same old routine. Plus, you are working muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints that could easily prevent you a visit from your vet! And let's not forget that emotionally, your horse will be a lot happier...and a happy horse is a winning horse!
Notes
I'd like to give a shout out to Eldorado Max, who just last Thursday, raced at Hiawatha Horse Park and finished 3rd. He's 14 years old and this will be his last year racing! The "old warrior" never fails to impress and just keeps on truckin'. He's owned and trained by Danterra Racing Stable in Strathroy, Ontario. GOOD LUCK MAX in your retirement at the end of this year!
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire!
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Roll With It Baby!!
I'm not going to start with the Meadowlands Pace (Roll With Joe won it), but begin with a few other races that caught my eye during the night.
Takterrific!! Who the hell said the 7 hole was taboo, because See You At Peelers cleaned their clocks in the Tarport Hap on the Meadowlands Pace undercard. And what the hell was Krispy Apple doing trying to over-take SYAP on the backstretch, then going WAY wide on the turn for home? I think a lot of the entrants were trying to out-race the filly phenom, but were left scratching their heads. And what the hell happened to Pretty Katherine? She was pulled up off the gate. Would it be impossible for the commentators to give us an update? Just tell us if she's ok or not damnit! Idyllic was the only real threat to SYAP and after she was given the whip on the stretch for home, she basically said, "eff you", and broke stride, however she still retained her second place finish.
Brian Sears said that SYAP felt like she was going to break stride on the turn for home, but he caught it, and checked her back into her momentum. She may be looking for a much needed rest after this race, and hopefully her connections won't run her into the ground and she ends up becoming lame. So, the filly phenom wins in 1:51:0 and keeps her winning streak going - 20 and 0. To compare her to the thoroughbred, Zenyatta, would be like comparing apples to oranges, however, both are great for their perspective industries.
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Race 6: Speaking of Takter, he also had Pastor Stephen entered in the Stanley Dancer Memorial Elimination for 3-yr-old trotting colts, and while he wasn't as successful as his stablemate, See You At Peelers, the race was still exciting. Pastor Stephen trotted to the top in 27:1, but the 5 horse, Dejarmbro, took over in 56:1, and then the race belonged to Manyofmanymissions, who eventually won it in 1:52:1. The son of Yankee Glide is definitely on his way to the Hambletonian as he cleared the wire just 1/5th of a second off the Stanley Dancer track record. Trainer Erv Miller commented, "The horse has been a puzzle", "He had an abscess in his foot and we re-shod him." Andy Miller had the drive and will be looking forward to the Hambletonian.
Race 7: I Fought Dalaw wins the NJ Sire Stakes Championship, with Dave Miller on the lines. Trainer Sam De Pinto had only good words for the Western Ideal colt, saying, "He don't give up", and when asked about how he came across the 2-yr-old? "I liked the way he moved in the field and took a shot at him."
Race 8: With Yannick Gingras at the lines, the Astreos sired, Mr Massimo never looked back as he crossed the wire in 1:50:2.
Race 9: Here we go! So here were my picks: Wink N Atcha, Big Jim, Foreclosure N. Who wins? Or should I say, "Who screws up my trifecta?" ROLL WITH JOE!! But first, I would like to say that this is the first time I have seen a small video clip of HOW the entrants got to the Meadowlands Pace. It was a quick montage of some of the elimination races, however, I would have liked to have seen the entrants a little more in-depth. Maybe them frolicking at the farm, or explain their pedigrees, or talk about the trials and tribulations of racing. But, who cares, it was better than nothing. I learned quite a few things before the race, which explains alot about the outcome:
* Betterthancheddar scoped mucous because of allergies, that, and the fact that he had a shoe change. Yikes!
* Custard The Dragon touches his knees and that's why his connections picked the 3 hole...Ummm...something to keep in mind when betting him in future races??
* Foreclosure N was born on January 1, which makes him the oldest colt in the field! I think he's coming into a win soon and should have a nice 4-yr-old campaign!
But, as much as Big Jim tried his hardest to win, having 5 lengths to make up on the outside turn for home, it was Roll With Joe, a $100,000 purchase at the Lexington Sale, that stole the show. The fractions were:
26:1 - 53:0 - 1:21:0 - 1:48:2
That had to have been the hardest race Big Jim has run and with a bit more real estate, Jim would have nipped Joe!
Joe's driver, Ron Pierce, is no stranger to the winner's circle in the Meadowlands Pace, where he guided Well Said in 2009 and Art Official in 2008. He has also won million dollar races in the last 6 straight years. KA-CHING! After the race, Pierce commented on the Cams Card Shark progeny; "He's better than anyone thought he was." And when asked about his race strategy, the Hall of Famer easily quipped, "I thought I had enough horse to hold him [Jim] off!"
Trainer Ed Hart was over-the-top with joy as he stood shaking in the winner's circle; "He had an excellent week in training." "Pierce had real confidence in him." Hmmm, wonder what's next for Joe??
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On to other news: The Meadowlands Pace consol didn't surprise me too much as Up The Credit, with Brian Sears on the lines, "pulled a rabbit out of his hat" and drove hard on the outside to steal the win away from High Noon and Ron Pierce in 1:50:1. When it comes down to it, I don't think Up The Credit would have done much in the Meadowlands Pace, and maybe the consolation was a better fit for the Western Terror colt.
Other horses "kicking their heels in delight" with big wins:
Monkey On My Wheel; Camille; Chapter Seven; Pirouette Hanover; Vic Smith; Upside Hanover; Twin B Legend; Mach Of Ballykeel; Lucky Jim.
The Sophomore Pacing Filly Final will go down on July 23, 2011 at Mohawk; Here is the line-up:
1. Camille
2. Monkey On My Wheel
3. Patsys Luck
4. Village Janus
5. Imagine Semalu
6. Modern Connection
7. Machs Delicacy
8. Look Cheap
9. Epoxy Queen
10. Brush With Royalty
AE Lucky Taryn
The Sophomore Pacing Colt Final also set to go down on July 23, 2011 at Mohawk, features:
1. Twin B Legend
2. Prodigal Seelster
3. Mach Of Ballykeel
4. Calgary Seelster
5. Drain Daddy
6. Cam B Zipper
7. Dreamfair Kovu
8. Thats The Life
9. Camaes Fellow
10. Mystician
AE Eastend Eddy
Stay tuned for more exciting harness racing action!!
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire!
Takterrific!! Who the hell said the 7 hole was taboo, because See You At Peelers cleaned their clocks in the Tarport Hap on the Meadowlands Pace undercard. And what the hell was Krispy Apple doing trying to over-take SYAP on the backstretch, then going WAY wide on the turn for home? I think a lot of the entrants were trying to out-race the filly phenom, but were left scratching their heads. And what the hell happened to Pretty Katherine? She was pulled up off the gate. Would it be impossible for the commentators to give us an update? Just tell us if she's ok or not damnit! Idyllic was the only real threat to SYAP and after she was given the whip on the stretch for home, she basically said, "eff you", and broke stride, however she still retained her second place finish.
Brian Sears said that SYAP felt like she was going to break stride on the turn for home, but he caught it, and checked her back into her momentum. She may be looking for a much needed rest after this race, and hopefully her connections won't run her into the ground and she ends up becoming lame. So, the filly phenom wins in 1:51:0 and keeps her winning streak going - 20 and 0. To compare her to the thoroughbred, Zenyatta, would be like comparing apples to oranges, however, both are great for their perspective industries.
Race 6: Speaking of Takter, he also had Pastor Stephen entered in the Stanley Dancer Memorial Elimination for 3-yr-old trotting colts, and while he wasn't as successful as his stablemate, See You At Peelers, the race was still exciting. Pastor Stephen trotted to the top in 27:1, but the 5 horse, Dejarmbro, took over in 56:1, and then the race belonged to Manyofmanymissions, who eventually won it in 1:52:1. The son of Yankee Glide is definitely on his way to the Hambletonian as he cleared the wire just 1/5th of a second off the Stanley Dancer track record. Trainer Erv Miller commented, "The horse has been a puzzle", "He had an abscess in his foot and we re-shod him." Andy Miller had the drive and will be looking forward to the Hambletonian.
Race 7: I Fought Dalaw wins the NJ Sire Stakes Championship, with Dave Miller on the lines. Trainer Sam De Pinto had only good words for the Western Ideal colt, saying, "He don't give up", and when asked about how he came across the 2-yr-old? "I liked the way he moved in the field and took a shot at him."
Race 8: With Yannick Gingras at the lines, the Astreos sired, Mr Massimo never looked back as he crossed the wire in 1:50:2.
Race 9: Here we go! So here were my picks: Wink N Atcha, Big Jim, Foreclosure N. Who wins? Or should I say, "Who screws up my trifecta?" ROLL WITH JOE!! But first, I would like to say that this is the first time I have seen a small video clip of HOW the entrants got to the Meadowlands Pace. It was a quick montage of some of the elimination races, however, I would have liked to have seen the entrants a little more in-depth. Maybe them frolicking at the farm, or explain their pedigrees, or talk about the trials and tribulations of racing. But, who cares, it was better than nothing. I learned quite a few things before the race, which explains alot about the outcome:
* Betterthancheddar scoped mucous because of allergies, that, and the fact that he had a shoe change. Yikes!
* Custard The Dragon touches his knees and that's why his connections picked the 3 hole...Ummm...something to keep in mind when betting him in future races??
* Foreclosure N was born on January 1, which makes him the oldest colt in the field! I think he's coming into a win soon and should have a nice 4-yr-old campaign!
But, as much as Big Jim tried his hardest to win, having 5 lengths to make up on the outside turn for home, it was Roll With Joe, a $100,000 purchase at the Lexington Sale, that stole the show. The fractions were:
26:1 - 53:0 - 1:21:0 - 1:48:2
That had to have been the hardest race Big Jim has run and with a bit more real estate, Jim would have nipped Joe!
Joe's driver, Ron Pierce, is no stranger to the winner's circle in the Meadowlands Pace, where he guided Well Said in 2009 and Art Official in 2008. He has also won million dollar races in the last 6 straight years. KA-CHING! After the race, Pierce commented on the Cams Card Shark progeny; "He's better than anyone thought he was." And when asked about his race strategy, the Hall of Famer easily quipped, "I thought I had enough horse to hold him [Jim] off!"
Trainer Ed Hart was over-the-top with joy as he stood shaking in the winner's circle; "He had an excellent week in training." "Pierce had real confidence in him." Hmmm, wonder what's next for Joe??
On to other news: The Meadowlands Pace consol didn't surprise me too much as Up The Credit, with Brian Sears on the lines, "pulled a rabbit out of his hat" and drove hard on the outside to steal the win away from High Noon and Ron Pierce in 1:50:1. When it comes down to it, I don't think Up The Credit would have done much in the Meadowlands Pace, and maybe the consolation was a better fit for the Western Terror colt.
Other horses "kicking their heels in delight" with big wins:
Monkey On My Wheel; Camille; Chapter Seven; Pirouette Hanover; Vic Smith; Upside Hanover; Twin B Legend; Mach Of Ballykeel; Lucky Jim.
The Sophomore Pacing Filly Final will go down on July 23, 2011 at Mohawk; Here is the line-up:
1. Camille
2. Monkey On My Wheel
3. Patsys Luck
4. Village Janus
5. Imagine Semalu
6. Modern Connection
7. Machs Delicacy
8. Look Cheap
9. Epoxy Queen
10. Brush With Royalty
AE Lucky Taryn
The Sophomore Pacing Colt Final also set to go down on July 23, 2011 at Mohawk, features:
1. Twin B Legend
2. Prodigal Seelster
3. Mach Of Ballykeel
4. Calgary Seelster
5. Drain Daddy
6. Cam B Zipper
7. Dreamfair Kovu
8. Thats The Life
9. Camaes Fellow
10. Mystician
AE Eastend Eddy
Stay tuned for more exciting harness racing action!!
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire!
Saturday, July 16, 2011
It's The 2011 Meadowlands Pace!!
This should be one of the most exciting nights of racing this summer, as the field is set for the 2011 Meadowlands Pace! Not only is Big Jim the favorite, but he has his own CHEERING SECTION too!!
Take a look at the entire field here
With powerful punches going to come from Roll With Joe and Custard The Dragon, Big Jim will definitely have his work cut out for him! However, nabbing the 2 hole should help, and coming off a win, the Western Ideal phenom is looking for a TKO!!!
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Westwardho Hanover
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Big Jim
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Custard The Dragon
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Feel Like A Fool
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Wink N Atcha
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Powerful Mist
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Betterthancheddar
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Roll With Joe
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Bestofbest Hanover
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Foreclosure N
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My picks:
Win: Wink N Atcha
Place: Big Jim
Show: Foreclosure N
I know, I know, probably not even close to what the betting public will choose, but I think they're all great athletes and it's really difficult to pick!!
Good Luck To All!!!
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire!
Take a look at the entire field here
With powerful punches going to come from Roll With Joe and Custard The Dragon, Big Jim will definitely have his work cut out for him! However, nabbing the 2 hole should help, and coming off a win, the Western Ideal phenom is looking for a TKO!!!
More Info
More Info
More Info
More Info
More Info
Powerful Mist
More Info
More Info
More Info
Bestofbest Hanover
More Info
More Info
My picks:
Win: Wink N Atcha
Place: Big Jim
Show: Foreclosure N
I know, I know, probably not even close to what the betting public will choose, but I think they're all great athletes and it's really difficult to pick!!
Good Luck To All!!!
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
See You At Peelers Going To The Meadowlands!!
See You At Peelers will make her only stop at the Meadowlands this season on Saturday, July 16.
Harness racing's undefeated princess of pacing bids for her 20th straight win in the $127,000 Tarport Hap. She will start from post seven in the evening's fifth race with Brian Sears at the lines. Her only other appearance at the Meadowlands was in her first career start, a conditioned raced for two-year-old fillies on July 10, 2010. See You At Peelers, trained by Jimmy Takter and owned by his wife, Christina, and John and Jim Fielding, is not eligible to the Mistletoe Shalee on August 6.
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The three-year-old filly is within reach of two notable winning streaks, those of Sanabelle Island, who won 23 straight races from 1996-1997, and Handle With Care, who won 24 from 1973-1974. Sanabelle Island first tasted defeat at the Meadowlands courtesy of Stienams Place in the 1997 Mistletoe Shalee. Handle With Care's streak ended to a filly named Joanns Time in 1974, pre-dating the 1976 opening of the Meadowlands.
The Tarport Hap stakes record is 1:49.2, set by Happy Dreamer in 2008. All three sophomore fillies who went on to become Horse Of The Year won the Tarport Hap along the way: Fan Hanover (1981), Bunny Lake (2001) and Rainbow Blue (2004).
Trainer Jimmy Takter won the Tarport Hap with Cabrini Hanover in 2005.
Story by Standardbred Canada
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire!
Harness racing's undefeated princess of pacing bids for her 20th straight win in the $127,000 Tarport Hap. She will start from post seven in the evening's fifth race with Brian Sears at the lines. Her only other appearance at the Meadowlands was in her first career start, a conditioned raced for two-year-old fillies on July 10, 2010. See You At Peelers, trained by Jimmy Takter and owned by his wife, Christina, and John and Jim Fielding, is not eligible to the Mistletoe Shalee on August 6.
The three-year-old filly is within reach of two notable winning streaks, those of Sanabelle Island, who won 23 straight races from 1996-1997, and Handle With Care, who won 24 from 1973-1974. Sanabelle Island first tasted defeat at the Meadowlands courtesy of Stienams Place in the 1997 Mistletoe Shalee. Handle With Care's streak ended to a filly named Joanns Time in 1974, pre-dating the 1976 opening of the Meadowlands.
The Tarport Hap stakes record is 1:49.2, set by Happy Dreamer in 2008. All three sophomore fillies who went on to become Horse Of The Year won the Tarport Hap along the way: Fan Hanover (1981), Bunny Lake (2001) and Rainbow Blue (2004).
Trainer Jimmy Takter won the Tarport Hap with Cabrini Hanover in 2005.
Story by Standardbred Canada
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire!
Monday, July 11, 2011
Custard The Dragon, Big Jim, and See You At Peelers, Knocks Em' Out Of The Park!
* Just when you thought you could count out Big Jim and Phil Hudon, they come back in the Meadowlands Pace elimination and SLAM one out into left field! Hudon guided the Western Ideal phenom right to the lead after a 27.1 opening quarter, and after that, the remainder of the field seen Jim's "heels" cross the wire in 1:50.0 flat. "He was awesome," said Hudon, who will be making his Meadowlands Pace debut. "He paced right to the wire. It's going to be an interesting final."
* Custard The Dragon also impressed as he fought off a late challenge from NA Cup entrant, Foreclosure N, as they headed for the wire in 1:50.2. Dragon's driver, Montrell Teague, will become the youngest driver in a Meadowlands Pace final. The colt is trained by his father, George Teague Jr., who is no stranger to the Meadowlands Pace, when he won in 2007 with Southwind Lynx.
Other horses "kicking their heels with joy" over the weekend were:
Dreamfair Eternal (set a new Canadian track record in 1:50.3); Peach Martini (new career best in 1:55); Look Cheap (new career best in 1:51.2); Tamarind; Watermelonwine; Kashs Caviar; See You At Peelers (established a new speed standard for her age, sex and gait, and kept her career record unblemished after 19 starts); Miss Kaylee Em (new career best in 1:56.4) Count Speed; Mach It Paid; Jezzy; Leader Of The Gang; Time To Roll; Pet Rock; I Fought Dalaw; Anthonyskywalker; Junior K; Fantaddy; Outlawpositivcharg and Oakmont.
* Marc St. Louis Jr. was "back on track" Sunday, winning 5 of the 11 races on the program at Dresden Raceway. Winning horses were: Lyons Ruby, Aint No Dollatable, Laura Mae, Four Starz Dice, and Late Bloomer. St. Louis pushed his win totals to 116 for the year and 687 lifetime with his five-win performance.
* Last week I blogged about racing without shoes or with glue-ons, and posed the question, "Could the harness industry ever adopt this concept?" On Saturday night, at Georgian Downs, Strand Hanover proved that this concept may indeed be the route that trainers and owners will begin to adopt. Strand Hanover went wire-to-wire, winning the $119,000 Masters Stakes for older pacers, providing driver J.R. Plante with his biggest thrill yet. In the winner's circle, trainer Rene Allard commented that Strand Hanover had some problems with his feet a while back (among other problems), so in turn, they pulled his shoes, and gave him, and his hooves, some time off. Not wanting to re-visit any more hoof issues, they decided that the race on Saturday night would be the perfect time to allow the five-year-old son of Modern Art, to wear GLUE-ONS!
* In Thoroughbred action, Bob Baffert stole the show in the Hollywood Gold Cup when both his entrants, First Dude and Game On Dude, battled at the wire to overtake heavy favorite, Twirling Candy. First Dude was eventually declared the winner and the race was his biggest career victory. Baffert said, "It's like that line, 'I don't know who won, but I know I did'", paraphrasing Charlie Wittingam. This is Baffert's third Hollywood Gold Cup win following Real Quiet in 1999, and Congaree in 2003. As an added note, jockey Chantal Sutherland was the first female to have a mount in the Hollywood Gold Cup -- and she nearly won it while riding Game On Dude!
* Other headlines: Making his U.S. debut, European invader, Cape Blanco denied champion Gio Ponti a third straight victory in the $600,000 Man o' War. The two-time reigning turf champion, Gio Ponti was attempting to become the first horse to win the Man o' War three consecutive times but was compromised by a wide trip. "He was getting over the ground great," Dominguez said. "I had a great trip, saving as much ground as possible, and my horse gave me a good turn of foot, but it was not enough."
"Turn of foot" - This is a common term, used in British racing. A horse with a good "turn of foot" has prompt acceleration; the ability to quicken its pace at a moments notice.
* View From The Racetrack Grandstand blogs, "Theres Too Much Damn Racing" A topic that needs much discussion!
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire!
* Custard The Dragon also impressed as he fought off a late challenge from NA Cup entrant, Foreclosure N, as they headed for the wire in 1:50.2. Dragon's driver, Montrell Teague, will become the youngest driver in a Meadowlands Pace final. The colt is trained by his father, George Teague Jr., who is no stranger to the Meadowlands Pace, when he won in 2007 with Southwind Lynx.
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| Custard The Dragon (Left) & Big Jim (Right), winning their Eliminations. Lisa Photo |
Other horses "kicking their heels with joy" over the weekend were:
Dreamfair Eternal (set a new Canadian track record in 1:50.3); Peach Martini (new career best in 1:55); Look Cheap (new career best in 1:51.2); Tamarind; Watermelonwine; Kashs Caviar; See You At Peelers (established a new speed standard for her age, sex and gait, and kept her career record unblemished after 19 starts); Miss Kaylee Em (new career best in 1:56.4) Count Speed; Mach It Paid; Jezzy; Leader Of The Gang; Time To Roll; Pet Rock; I Fought Dalaw; Anthonyskywalker; Junior K; Fantaddy; Outlawpositivcharg and Oakmont.
* Marc St. Louis Jr. was "back on track" Sunday, winning 5 of the 11 races on the program at Dresden Raceway. Winning horses were: Lyons Ruby, Aint No Dollatable, Laura Mae, Four Starz Dice, and Late Bloomer. St. Louis pushed his win totals to 116 for the year and 687 lifetime with his five-win performance.
* Last week I blogged about racing without shoes or with glue-ons, and posed the question, "Could the harness industry ever adopt this concept?" On Saturday night, at Georgian Downs, Strand Hanover proved that this concept may indeed be the route that trainers and owners will begin to adopt. Strand Hanover went wire-to-wire, winning the $119,000 Masters Stakes for older pacers, providing driver J.R. Plante with his biggest thrill yet. In the winner's circle, trainer Rene Allard commented that Strand Hanover had some problems with his feet a while back (among other problems), so in turn, they pulled his shoes, and gave him, and his hooves, some time off. Not wanting to re-visit any more hoof issues, they decided that the race on Saturday night would be the perfect time to allow the five-year-old son of Modern Art, to wear GLUE-ONS!
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| Strand Hanover Lisa Photo |
* In Thoroughbred action, Bob Baffert stole the show in the Hollywood Gold Cup when both his entrants, First Dude and Game On Dude, battled at the wire to overtake heavy favorite, Twirling Candy. First Dude was eventually declared the winner and the race was his biggest career victory. Baffert said, "It's like that line, 'I don't know who won, but I know I did'", paraphrasing Charlie Wittingam. This is Baffert's third Hollywood Gold Cup win following Real Quiet in 1999, and Congaree in 2003. As an added note, jockey Chantal Sutherland was the first female to have a mount in the Hollywood Gold Cup -- and she nearly won it while riding Game On Dude!
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| First Dude (Left) goes by Game On Dude (Right) and Twirling Candy benoitphoto.com |
* Other headlines: Making his U.S. debut, European invader, Cape Blanco denied champion Gio Ponti a third straight victory in the $600,000 Man o' War. The two-time reigning turf champion, Gio Ponti was attempting to become the first horse to win the Man o' War three consecutive times but was compromised by a wide trip. "He was getting over the ground great," Dominguez said. "I had a great trip, saving as much ground as possible, and my horse gave me a good turn of foot, but it was not enough."
"Turn of foot" - This is a common term, used in British racing. A horse with a good "turn of foot" has prompt acceleration; the ability to quicken its pace at a moments notice.
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| Gio Ponti won the Man o' War in 2009 and 2010 (Shown) Coglianese photos |
* View From The Racetrack Grandstand blogs, "Theres Too Much Damn Racing" A topic that needs much discussion!
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire!
Friday, July 8, 2011
Elimination Nation
Friday Notes
* View From The Racetrack Grandstand gives us a good look at the eliminations for The Meadowlands Pace on Saturday, as well as The Yonkers Trot and The Hudson Filly Trot. The Masters Stakes from Georgian Downs is also this weekend and it allows the 4-Year-Olds to compete for some good coin!
* Pull The Pocket introduced me to Bob Baffert's Twitter account a couple days ago, and outside of the fact that his user name is Midnight Lute (Thought for sure it would have been Silver Charm), AND that his photo is an egg...*scratches head*...One tweet that he posted really caught my attention:
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* A couple of days ago I blogged about trying to use "Personal Synchronicity" as a way to pick horses that will end up ITM in a race. Personal Synchronicity occurs when an external concept ties up with something that is only relevant to you or your close circle at that time. So while I was typing the blog, the Stompin' Tom song came on, "The Good Old Hockey Game". I pulled up the entries of my local racetrack and decided to bet on the 7 horse, Heshoots Hescores......well, when it came to post time, I come to find out that Heshoots Hescores decided to SCRATCH -- (VET-SICK)..!!! Ok, did I do that with my stupid Synchronicity?? Geesh I hope not! Anyways, I think I'll stick to making my picks based on other concepts, unless I win a $16,000 $1 superfecta using Synchronicity, then we'll talk!
* Kentucky Derby winner, Animal Kingdom, had a successful surgery repairing a hairline slab fracture and is expected to be back on the track in 90 days.
* Leading Trotters:
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* Leading Pacers:
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Good luck to all this weekend!
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire!
* View From The Racetrack Grandstand gives us a good look at the eliminations for The Meadowlands Pace on Saturday, as well as The Yonkers Trot and The Hudson Filly Trot. The Masters Stakes from Georgian Downs is also this weekend and it allows the 4-Year-Olds to compete for some good coin!
* Pull The Pocket introduced me to Bob Baffert's Twitter account a couple days ago, and outside of the fact that his user name is Midnight Lute (Thought for sure it would have been Silver Charm), AND that his photo is an egg...*scratches head*...One tweet that he posted really caught my attention:
* A couple of days ago I blogged about trying to use "Personal Synchronicity" as a way to pick horses that will end up ITM in a race. Personal Synchronicity occurs when an external concept ties up with something that is only relevant to you or your close circle at that time. So while I was typing the blog, the Stompin' Tom song came on, "The Good Old Hockey Game". I pulled up the entries of my local racetrack and decided to bet on the 7 horse, Heshoots Hescores......well, when it came to post time, I come to find out that Heshoots Hescores decided to SCRATCH -- (VET-SICK)..!!! Ok, did I do that with my stupid Synchronicity?? Geesh I hope not! Anyways, I think I'll stick to making my picks based on other concepts, unless I win a $16,000 $1 superfecta using Synchronicity, then we'll talk!
* Kentucky Derby winner, Animal Kingdom, had a successful surgery repairing a hairline slab fracture and is expected to be back on the track in 90 days.
* Leading Trotters:
* Leading Pacers:
Good luck to all this weekend!
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire!
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Time For A Bit O' Humor!!
Below are a list of phrases or words that one should be on the lookout for when perusing the classified ads:
Big Trot: (Can't canter within a two mile straight-away)
Nicely Started: (Lunges, but we don't have enough insurance to ride him yet)
Top Show Horse: (Won a Reserve Champion 5 years ago at a show with unusually low entries due to tornado warning)
Homebred: (Knows nothing despite being raised on the back porch)
Big Boned: (Good thing he has a mane and tail or he would be mistaken for a cow)
No Vices: (Especially when he wears his muzzle)
Bold: (Runaway)
Good Mover: (Runaway)
Athletic: (Runaway)
Needs Intermediate Rider: (Runaway)
Should Mature Over 16 Hands: (Currently 14 hands, dam is 14.2, sire is 15.3 hands, every horse in pedigree back 18 generations is under 16 hands, but "this" horse will defy his DNA and grow)
Well Mannered: (Hasn't stepped on, run over, bit, or kicked anyone for a week)
Professionally Trained: (Hasn't stepped on, run over, bit, or kicked anyone for a month)
Excellent Disposition: (Never been out of the stall)
Clips, Hauls, Loads: (Clippity Clippity is the sound that his hooves make as he hauls butt across the parking lot when you try to load him)
For Sale Due To Lack Of Time: (Rider cannot afford to spend any more time in the hospital)
Spirited: (Psychotic)
Well Bred: (Mother and father are also brother and sister)
Color is Black: (Brown and/or dirty)
Suits Eventing: (No brakes)
Suits Dressage: (No accelerator)
Dispersing Stock: (Qualified in 5:10.2)
Lightly Raced: (Won't Load - Scratched - Transportation)
Free Legged Pacer: (Kicks like a mad man when you try to put the hobbles on)
Top 10 Exercises To Become A Better Equestrian
10. Drop a heavy steel object on your foot. Don't pick it up right away. Shout, "Get off, stupid, GET OFF!!"
9. Leap out of a moving vehicle and practice "relaxing into the fall". Roll lithely into a ball and spring to your feet.
8. Learn to grab your checkbook at lightning speed and write out a $400 check without looking down.
7. Jog long distances carrying a halter and a carrot. Go ahead and tell the neighbors what you're doing - they might as well know now.
6. Affix a pair of reins to a moving freight train and practice pulling to a halt. Smile as if you are having fun.
5. Hone your fibbing skills: "See hon, moving hay bales is FUN!" and "No, really, I'm glad your lucky performance and multi-million dollar horse won that race. I am just thankful that my hard work and actual ability got me second!"
4. Practice dialing your chiropractor's number with both arms paralyzed to the shoulder, and one foot anchoring the lead rope of a frisky horse.
3. Lie face down in a puddle of mud in your most expensive clothes and repeat to yourself, "This is a learning experience, this is a learning experience, this is..."
2. Borrow the U.S. Army's slogan, "Be All That You Can Be", -- bitten, thrown, kicked, slimed, trampled, frozen...
1. And the number one exercise to become a better equestrian? Marry Money!!
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire.
Big Trot: (Can't canter within a two mile straight-away)
Nicely Started: (Lunges, but we don't have enough insurance to ride him yet)
Top Show Horse: (Won a Reserve Champion 5 years ago at a show with unusually low entries due to tornado warning)
Homebred: (Knows nothing despite being raised on the back porch)
Big Boned: (Good thing he has a mane and tail or he would be mistaken for a cow)
No Vices: (Especially when he wears his muzzle)
Bold: (Runaway)
Good Mover: (Runaway)
Athletic: (Runaway)
Needs Intermediate Rider: (Runaway)
Should Mature Over 16 Hands: (Currently 14 hands, dam is 14.2, sire is 15.3 hands, every horse in pedigree back 18 generations is under 16 hands, but "this" horse will defy his DNA and grow)
Well Mannered: (Hasn't stepped on, run over, bit, or kicked anyone for a week)
Professionally Trained: (Hasn't stepped on, run over, bit, or kicked anyone for a month)
Excellent Disposition: (Never been out of the stall)
Clips, Hauls, Loads: (Clippity Clippity is the sound that his hooves make as he hauls butt across the parking lot when you try to load him)
For Sale Due To Lack Of Time: (Rider cannot afford to spend any more time in the hospital)
Spirited: (Psychotic)
Well Bred: (Mother and father are also brother and sister)
Color is Black: (Brown and/or dirty)
Suits Eventing: (No brakes)
Suits Dressage: (No accelerator)
Dispersing Stock: (Qualified in 5:10.2)
Lightly Raced: (Won't Load - Scratched - Transportation)
Free Legged Pacer: (Kicks like a mad man when you try to put the hobbles on)
Top 10 Exercises To Become A Better Equestrian
10. Drop a heavy steel object on your foot. Don't pick it up right away. Shout, "Get off, stupid, GET OFF!!"
9. Leap out of a moving vehicle and practice "relaxing into the fall". Roll lithely into a ball and spring to your feet.
8. Learn to grab your checkbook at lightning speed and write out a $400 check without looking down.
7. Jog long distances carrying a halter and a carrot. Go ahead and tell the neighbors what you're doing - they might as well know now.
6. Affix a pair of reins to a moving freight train and practice pulling to a halt. Smile as if you are having fun.
5. Hone your fibbing skills: "See hon, moving hay bales is FUN!" and "No, really, I'm glad your lucky performance and multi-million dollar horse won that race. I am just thankful that my hard work and actual ability got me second!"
4. Practice dialing your chiropractor's number with both arms paralyzed to the shoulder, and one foot anchoring the lead rope of a frisky horse.
3. Lie face down in a puddle of mud in your most expensive clothes and repeat to yourself, "This is a learning experience, this is a learning experience, this is..."
2. Borrow the U.S. Army's slogan, "Be All That You Can Be", -- bitten, thrown, kicked, slimed, trampled, frozen...
1. And the number one exercise to become a better equestrian? Marry Money!!
Stay safe, keep your hooves on the ground, and keep reaching for the wire.
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